In a recent debate, Vice President Kamala Harris expressed her strong stance against banning hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking. However, natural gas workers in western Pennsylvania remain skeptical, given her previous statements supporting a ban on fracking during her presidential campaign in 2020. The key motivator behind Harris' apparent flip-flop on the issue is believed to be the significant economic impact fracking has on Pennsylvania, a crucial state in the upcoming election.

With around 123,000 jobs supported by the natural gas sector and over $41 billion in economic activity in 2022, according to FTI Consulting, Inc., Pennsylvania's fracking industry plays a vital role in the state's economy. Scott Ivey, a service supervisor for Stingray Pressure Pumping, spoke about the positive impact of the industry, highlighting the surge of money it brings to the region. Ivey recounted how the influx of workers from the oil and gas industry has transformed areas that were once desolate into thriving communities, complete with restaurants, hotels, and recreational facilities.

The economic benefits of fracking are not limited to businesses, but also extend to local communities. Ryan Butya, the owner of Canonsburg's All Star Sports Bar & Grill, explained that a significant majority of his customers are roughnecks, or oil rig workers, who spend their hard-earned money at his establishment. Butya emphasized that the industry has brought wealth and commerce to the area, allowing families to raise children and enjoy leisure activities, while generating substantial tax revenue for the community.

Despite the clear economic advantages, those who have built careers and families in the fracking industry express doubts about Kamala Harris' commitment to not ban fracking. Scott Ivey shared his skepticism, stating that he does not believe anything Harris says and fears that she will impose regulations that could make fracking impossible. Ivey's opinion is shaped by his firsthand experience in the natural gas sector over the past 12 years, under three different presidential administrations. He observed that since President Biden took office, jobs in the industry have slowed down, and there has been a shift towards green initiatives, which he believes only benefit a select few.

The concerns raised by Ivey are echoed by Sarah Phillips, who pointed to the delays and costs associated with the construction of the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Environmental groups, including the Wilderness Society and Appalachian Voices, sued to block its construction, leading to prolonged legal battles. Phillips attributed the setbacks to pushback from the Biden and Harris administration, including federal leasing bans, prohibitions on liquefied natural gas, power-plant shutdowns, and electric vehicle mandates. She highlighted the broader Democratic goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, which inherently opposes the practice of fracking.

As the election continues, the doubts and anxieties among natural gas workers in Pennsylvania persist. The economic benefits and livelihoods at stake make it crucial for politicians to address the concerns of those who rely on the fracking industry for their jobs and well-being. Only time will tell whether the assurances given by Vice President Harris on the debate stage will resonate with the workers who remain skeptical of her fracking stance.